From creamy curries and fragrant biryanis to spiced grains and meatballs, these garam masala recipes explore the warmth and comfort the spice blend brings to every dish.
Step into any Indian kitchen and you’ll find shelves lined with a treasure trove of spices, each with its own story and purpose. Among them is garam masala, a go-to blend that infuses an earthy, warming flavor into meals. These garam masala recipes highlight how a pinch or spoonful of the aromatic mix transforms traditional Indian dishes and everyday meals from nicely seasoned to deeply spiced with layers of flavor.
Garam masala is one of many essential Indian spices and herbs used in classic recipes, like flaky samosas filled with potatoes, juicy meat kabobs and chickpea curries. But this seasoning isn’t limited to Indian dishes. Toss it with roasted vegetables for an earthy kick, sprinkle it over popcorn or use it in holiday desserts like pumpkin pie and gingerbread cookies for a surprising flavor twist. Garam masala softens but does not fade during cooking, making it a great choice for long-simmering pot roasts and stews.
Every brand blends the spices in garam masala slightly differently. Some are more peppery and some more cinnamon-forward, but you can always make your own if you don’t care for the prepared versions. In a pinch, swap in curry powder; it’s more turmeric-forward and hotter but still delivers rich, fragrant flavor. Whether you want to cook Indian recipes or tweak your usual meal, these dishes highlight the comforting yet complex character of garam masala.
1/20
Butter Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my version of butter chicken, a classic curry dish beloved around the world. The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken and imparts flavor, but the star of the show is the aromatic, creamy tomato gravy. Dried fenugreek is optional, but if you can find it, it adds a special nuance to this famous dish. Warm naan bread on the side is perfect for mopping up all of the luxurious sauce. —April Preisler, Auburn, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 497 calories, 35g fat (16g saturated fat), 159mg cholesterol, 1146mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
2/20
Chicken Biryani
From the Recipe Creator:
This South Asian dish layers chicken, basmati rice and onions in a large pot, slowly cooking the ingredients until the flavors seep through every bit. Pair it with its popular side—cucumber and red onion salad—for a fully satisfying meal. —Anikah Shaokat, New York City, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 378 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 1076mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
3/20
Indian-Spiced Beefy Lettuce Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
Since I love the flavors of Indian food, I almost always have coconut milk, a jar of mango chutney and garam masala seasoning in my pantry. This recipe is one of my go-tos when I am short on time but want something that tastes spectacular. If you’d like to give this a different style of Asian flair, use hoisin sauce in place of chutney and Chinese five-spice powder in place of garam masala. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3 filled lettuce wraps: 493 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 957mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
4/20
Seekh Kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Seekh kebabs are spicy Pakistani meat skewers made with ground beef and an aromatic herb-and-spice blend of jalapeno, ginger, cilantro, mint, ground cumin and coriander. After the flavors have time to meld, the meat is cooked on a skewer until beautifully browned and crispy on the edges. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 128 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
5/20
Cauliflower Tikka Masala
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m a vegetarian and I always find it challenging to find new recipes. This cauliflower tikka masala is my easy take on the original. It’s made healthy by the use of an air fryer and pressure cooker. —Garima Arora, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 312 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein.
6/20
Roasted Sweet Potato & Chickpea Pitas
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a hearty take on Mediterranean food, this time with sweet potatoes tucked inside. These unique pockets are delicious for lunch or dinner. —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 462 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 662mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein.
7/20
Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
I spent several years in Malaysia eating a variety of Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian food. This was one of my favorite dishes! There are many versions of butter chicken, but this is similar to the Middle Eastern version I had. —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 242 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
8/20
Air-Fryer Samosas
From the Recipe Creator:
These samosas are so easy; they can be frozen and reheated! Depending on the size of your air-fryer, cook them in batches. There are several Indian dipping sauces that are delicious with these—I also like them with ranch dressing. — Barbara Banski, Fenton, MI
Nutrition Facts:
1 samosa: 61 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
9/20
Moroccan Pot Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves meat and I love veggies, so we’re both happy with this spiced twist on the beefy pot roast. With chickpeas, eggplant, honey and mint, it’s like something you’d eat at a Marrakech bazaar. —Catherine Dempsey, Clifton Park, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 435 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 38g protein.
10/20
Chicken Tikka Meatballs with Ginger Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
Tikka is an Indian dish made of small pieces of meat or veggies marinated in spices. Our version features chicken meatballs served over flavored rice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 441 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 731mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
11/20
Chickpea and Potato Curry
From the Recipe Creator:
I make chana masala, the classic Indian chickpea curry, in my slow cooker. First browning the onion, ginger and garlic really makes the sauce amazing. —Anjana Devasahayam, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups chickpea mixture: 240 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 8g protein.
12/20
Creamy Cauliflower Pakora Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I often crave pakoras, deep-fried fritters from India. I wanted to get the same flavors but use a healthier cooking technique, so I made soup using all the classic spices and our favorite veggie, cauliflower! —Melody Johnson, DePere, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 135 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 645mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
13/20
Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cucumber Melon Relish
From the Recipe Creator:
We all need a quick meal that’s deliciously healthy. I marinate the chicken before I leave for work, and when I get home, I grill the chicken and make the relish. My husband loves the spicy flavor. To amp up the heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without almonds): 247 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
14/20
Easy Chana Masala
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this quick and healthy Indian-inspired dish so much I always make sure to have the ingredients stocked in my pantry. It makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special. —Janeen Judah, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup garbanzo bean mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 359 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein.
15/20
Chicken Tikka Masala
From the Recipe Creator:
This Indian-style chicken tikka masala recipe has flavors that keep me coming back for more—a simple dish spiced with garam masala, cumin and gingerroot that’s simply amazing. —Jaclyn Bell, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups chicken mixture (calculated without rice): 381 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 864mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
16/20
Butter Chicken Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love meatballs, and we love butter chicken. Before an appetizer party, we had the brilliant idea to combine these two loves, and the new creation got rave reviews! Want them as a main dish? Just serve with basmati rice. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 40 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
17/20
Quinoa Unstuffed Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
This deconstructed stuffed pepper dish packs a wallop of flavor. I truly make it all the time, and I make sure my freezer’s stocked with single-serve portions to take to work. —Rebecca Ende, Phoenix, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 261 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 760mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
18/20
Samosas
From the Recipe Creator:
This samosa recipe is one of my family’s absolute favorites. These crispy dough pockets are stuffed with potatoes and peas, then air-fried to give them a healthier twist. They’d make a perfect starter, side dish or buffet food for your next party. —Soniya Saluja, The Belly Rules the Mind
Nutrition Facts:
1 samosa: 280 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
19/20
Vegan Butter Cauliflower
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this Indian butter cauliflower recipe for all the picky eaters in my family who love ethnic food. It’s also vegan-friendly. —Mihaela Metaxa-Albu, London, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 349 calories, 27g fat (22g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein.
20/20
Chicken Tikka
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken tikka skewers make easy and delectable party food. Though this recipe is mild, and you can dial up the spice by increasing the amount of chili powder in this recipe. —Aleni Salcedo, East Elmhurst, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 163 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
Garam Masala Recipes FAQ
What is garam masala?
Garam masala is a spice blend widely used in Indian and South Asian cooking. While garam translates to “hot,” it more accurately reflects the warming qualities of the fragrant spices that keep bodies cozy during winters in northern India. Over time, it has become a staple seasoning in a variety of everyday Indian dishes.
Can I make a homemade version of garam masala blend?
You can absolutely make homemade garam masala using a variety of whole spices. The essential spices include coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cinnamon, cardamom (black and green) and cloves. Dry roast these five spices, let them cool and then grind or pound them into a fine powder. There are countless variations of garam masala; some choose to add black peppercorns, mace, nutmeg, star anise, bay leaves or fennel seeds, depending on regional traditions and personal taste.
What can I do with garam masala?
Garam masala is a staple in classic Indian recipes like biryanis, butter chicken and chana masala, but the earthy blend is delicious in a myriad of dishes, from stews to marinades and dry rubs. Sprinkle it over sweet potatoes before roasting or add it to a braised meat recipe instead of a Moroccan spice blend, like ras el hanout, for a similar yet distinct flavor. Depending on whether you add it in small amounts or generously, garam masala can be a very subtle, aromatic addition or a bold, defined taste.
